Looking for answers to life's questions

Dad called her Suzy Q all the time though that was not her actual name. Sue was her middle name. I asked him once what the Q was for. He said it was for questionable. I think the question was mostly what she would get into or up to next. Right from the very beginning with her first toddler steps, it was apparent my sister was a pistol and born without the fear gene. Tiny toy pistols were exactly what Santa got her for her first Christmas.

We celebrated it in Colorado Springs. Dad was reassigned to Fort Carson after he got back from his tour of duty in Korea. He found a little house for us to rent and part of the rent was refinishing the floors. After sanding the floors and putting fresh finish and wax on them, mom would set the two of us on an old GI wool blanket and drag us across the floor to polish it. The polishing was done once a month and it was our favorite activity. Mom developed a very strong back and arm muscles dragging us around.

Mom had to keep my sister in jeans and a t-shirt all the way back in the 50’s. Sis was not still enough to keep dresses intact. Rough and tumble, into everything, mom ran herself ragged trying to keep her out of danger and mischief.

Keeping an eye on sis

If sis was no longer interested in eating the soup we had for lunch and mom refused to remove the bowl, sis would turn the bowl upside down on her head letting the soup drip over her face and clothes. Quite pleased with herself, she cared not one whit about the spanking that followed. Food was not something that we were allowed to waste, no matter how bad it tasted. Mom was not much of a cook and groceries were not plentiful. There were plenty of spankings but she would just strap on her toy gun belt with twin pistols and charge on.

bowl on her head

On that same Christmas, I received a doll. Only one gift each, it was quite precious to me. I came home from first grade after the holiday and could not find my doll. My one-year old baby sister had somehow managed to get the doll past our mother and take it outside, tossing it in an open sewer pipe. Fortunately, she had only tried to bury it, not dismember it. She told us in what words she had that she didn’t like the doll. It had to go.

We were only there six months, then it was off to Fort Riley, Kansas for another six months before his next tour of three years in Germany. Oh, what fun my sister was going to have there.

A fun story, Marlene, but as an oldest sibling, I do feel for you. she is so lucky to have you in her life. That story might have had a different ending. 🙂 My oldest grand-daughter has that sort of spirit, but she is now 18 and on her own. I, too, am looking forward to the next instalments. Have a relaxing and peaceful weekend. \ Linne

Thank you, Linne. This is an important characteristic that is important for a child to hang onto even though it’s hard on other’s to deal with. My daughter was a milder version of my sister with the strong independent streak that I encouraged. I’m still behind and only managed to post this as it was already written. I am so looking forward to the first of the year when I may finally be able to take a breather. Thanks for stopping by.

You sound like quite a pair–the sensible one and the wild child–I suspect you both needed the influence of the other! I’m enjoying your stories–they get me reminiscing about my own sister and childhood and that’s always fun.

You are so right, Kerry. We do need each other. I ground her, she gives me permission to use my wings. I moved here to be closer to her and so glad I did. Her antics still keep us on our toes. Thanks for the visit.

I love this story, Marlene! And I know there is more to come. Interesting to think of Suzy Q in today’s world. I think her joyous spunk and curiosity would not have flourished. That is sad. I’m so glad she grew up with the two things children need: love of family and the outdoors. Merry Christmas to you, Marlene. 🎄

I’m really enjoying your heartwarming tale, Marlene! Suzy Q certainly had her own ideas of fun. It sounds like she will keep everyone on their toes. I’m looking forward to following your family to Germany! ♡

How funny you spent time in Colorado Springs: my dad was stationed at Peterson Field in the late 70s and then he and my mom liked the Springs so much, they stayed after Dad retired. So, I was born and raised there. Our house was actually quite near Fort Carson and NORAD is not that far from where my parents live. 🙂
Now I live in North Carolina and we often drive (I’m not much for flying if I can help it) back to Colorado Springs to see my parents. To that end, we almost always take I-70 through Kansas and pass Fort Riley. So I know and have been to both of these places.
As for Germany, I have yet to visit, but i hear it’s quite the amazing country.
As for your sister, I can’t believe she’d put the bowl of soup (among other things) on her head! Oh man, the food on my head would be enough to deter me. It’s so funny to read about the different things kids would do and relate to. Haha!
I loved reading this post and hope that both of you continue in a positive direction on your health journey. Sending you big hugs and wishes for a wonderful holiday season! xoxo

Thanks for stopping by, Cynthia. How wonderful that you know the areas I’m writing about. I loved Colorado Springs. I remember the nicest people in the world being there. They took such good care of a poor military family and fueled my new belief in Santa Claus. You could keep anywhere in Kansas, Not fun there but Germany is still the place my heart longs to see again. You would love it but it does require a plane. 🙂 Holiday hugs heading your way. 🙂

Thank you for stopping by, Sue. Yes, determined to get her own way is an understatement. 😉 There were lots of hungry days then even though they tried very hard to make do with the little we had. Giant hugs to you.

Marlene, it’s wonderful hearing your sister’s story through your eyes and words. You’ve been there for her from the start. You do a nice job painting a picture of the time as well. I have a real sense of where you lived and what things were like. I’m looking forward to the next installment. Hugs

What a wonderful read Marlene, I loved this! Wonderful photo too. I very much look forward to returning and reading more of your deligthful memoirs, I love the way you write. I was definitely more like your sister lol!!! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my friend, sent with love and hugs from my home to yours, across the Shining Sea. See you in 2018! 🙂 ❤ xoxo

Happy Post Christmas Cheer Marlene. I hope your’s was awesome! Did you spend it with your kids? Fun post Marlene 😀 Your sister sounded like a handful.
Seems like there’s one ‘tough-as-nails’ kid in every family. It’s really odd to imagine spankings these days isn’t it? I’ve never hit another thing in my life. But then again, I guess I’ve never been tested that far.
Unfortunately, my mother was proficient at spankings, mostly with my brother T, as he may have been much more like your sister than I. Always testing the limits, rule breaker, risk taker, strong willed and generally naughty. I, by everyone’s account, was a very quiet child. Actually I was scared of ‘getting-it’ too.
Holidays in our pocket and back to a comfortable routine. I gotta stop eating! Right now…LOL xoxo K

I just had the same conversation with myself. Gotta stop eating now! I’m giving it through new years day then done. Back on the wagon and adding more movement. I got my share of spankings because that’s what they did. My sister was like your brother. Still is. I tried to do a lot better than my folks and did to a degree I did. Not as well as I had wanted but much better than my parents. Christmas was just with my daughter and sister and her family. Very quiet and that’s a good thing. Hope your new year brings all good things to you both. I’m having a quiet night with pizza and a good German beer. I hope the next year is better. Hugs. 🙂 M

What stories, Marlene! Especially that one of your mother polishing the floor with the blanket that you are your sister were on. Snd how awesome that you have a photo of her with that soup bowl on her head.
I’m so glad to have found time to visit and read this post.
I’m hoping to do better in 2018.
Happiness and health to you in the coming year.